Overview

This project aimed to improve how Student Feedback on the University of Newcastle (SFUN) survey results are communicated to students—making the information more accessible, interactive, and engaging. What was once a static PDF report has been transformed into a dynamic microsite, featuring an animated video of the top 10 insights and interactive data visualisations that bring the findings to life through a clear, student-focused narrative.

The Challenge

Student feedback reports are vital for transparency and accountability—but presenting that data in a way that students actually want to engage with can be challenging. Previous years relied on PDF reports that were dense and difficult to navigate. The team saw an opportunity to reimagine how survey results could be delivered—something that not only informed students but helped build a feedback culture and showed how their input drives real change.

Process

As the lead designer, I collaborated closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) who conducted the SFUN survey and provided thematic analysis. My goal was to shape this raw data into a student-centred digital narrative that was both visually compelling and meaningful.

​Key tasks included:

• Narrative Design: Interpreted key data themes and sentiment to craft a clear story, spotlighting where student feedback led to change or required attention.

• Platform & Build: Designed and developed the microsite using Cargo—chosen for its creative flexibility and ability to alignment style and layout with SFUN visual identity.

• Data Visualisation: Integrated interactive charts and graphs using Flourish to make the data more explorable and digestible.

• Information Structure: Broke the report into clearly segmented, page-by-page content, allowing users to navigate linearly or jump to key areas.

• Motion Graphics: Scripted, storyboarded, and animated a one-minute video summarising the top 10 insights—designed for attention, retention, and campaign awareness.
   

Design Features

• Bright, playful interface aligned with the SFUN brand

• Interactive data visuals supporting key insights

• Engaging microlearning-style animated video

• Accessible navigation and content structure to suit diverse student need.

Results and Impact

The microsite provided an engaging and accessible format for students to explore their collective feedback. It succeeded in increasing visibility and understanding of SFUN results while promoting a culture of constructive feedback at the University of Newcastle.

• 172 YouTube views with 77.3% viewer retention—well above average for this format.

• 4,431 Instagram views and 64 likes, showing strong social engagement.

• Positive feedback from stakeholders and continued use in subsequent years, with updated versions now embedded in annual reporting strategy.

The SFUN Microsite redefined how student feedback could be shared—turning survey results into an interactive story that students want to explore. The combination of thoughtful data visualisation, visual storytelling, and accessibility-first design made this a standout example of communication design in higher education.